Security Concerns Intensify after Paris Attack
The recent stabbing incident near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, carried out by a radicalized individual with a history of mental troubles, has prompted France’s Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, to acknowledge a significant failure in psychiatric care. The attack, resulting in the death of a German tourist, has heightened security concerns in France, especially with the impending 2024 summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Attacker’s Profile and Known Issues
The assailant, identified as Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab, a Frenchman in his mid-20s born to a non-religious Iranian family, had a prior history of imprisonment for planning an attack. Despite being recognized by authorities as an Islamist radical with mental health issues, Darmanin emphasized that the failure was primarily within the psychiatric care system, not intelligence services. The attacker had been deemed to have “acute mental illness,” and doctors had indicated improvement on several occasions.
Tragic Event and Investigation Details
Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab fatally stabbed a 23-year-old German-Filipino man near the Eiffel Tower, using a hammer and a knife. Despite accepting responsibility for his actions during questioning, the attacker claimed to have acted in response to the perceived persecution of Muslims worldwide. The investigation, led by French anti-terror prosecutors, is treating the incident as a suspected “terrorist” plot.
Family’s Concerns and Administrative Challenges
The attacker’s mother had raised concerns about her son’s mental state as recently as October, prompting a warning to the police. However, legal action was deemed unfeasible due to insufficient evidence at the time. Darmanin highlighted the administrative challenge, stating that regional authorities lacked the power to issue an order for psychiatric treatment for individuals with radicalized tendencies.
Changing Nature of Terrorism
The Interior Minister emphasized that the attacker had been radicalized through online contacts rather than traditional mosque associations. Darmanin pointed out the evolving nature of terrorism, citing the attacker’s connections with individuals involved in past attacks. He stressed the need to address system weaknesses to counter the changing tactics of terrorist activities.
While four individuals related to the attacker remain in custody, the incident has underscored the challenges in balancing security and mental health concerns, prompting calls for administrative changes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
SOURCE: Ref Image from RFI
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